Do you go more for "flavored" beers?

I've been drinking craft for 25 years, and think this "trend" is one of the worst things to happen to it. It's becoming increasingly hard to find solid examples of classic, traditional beer styles because so many breweries are trying to stand out from the crowd with these silly concoctions. A local brewery recently trumpeted a cask, bourbon barrel-aged, maple pecan porter. Porters are one of my favorite styles, but I want them to taste like beer, not pie, damn it!

 

I'll give them a shot, but I haven't found a single one I'd drink regularly.

 

I actually completely agree with all of this. While I PREFER something more basic, it doesn't mean that I don't enjoy a cinnamon dolce latte or barrel-aged coffee stout from time to time.

Also, I broadly said "basic ingredients" purposely. If the style calls for spices, and it's not overdone, I consider it part of the basic ingredients. I do believe there is a line somewhere though, where that line is drawn is a matter of opinion, and would most likely take this thread in an entirely different direction.

 

I like them as long as they're well made. For instance, the New Glarus fruit beers and even something like Blue Moon Horchata. Too often I think people incorrectly use adjuncts or they have flaws in them. If they're a good beer, bring 'em on.

 

I learned that I personally like straight up "pure" beer styles, but if one catches my eye like a s'mores stout or something else outrageous like the chocolate orange weizenbock that stares at me every time I'm in the store then yes I'll but it if I can find it in a single. The only exception is fruit, I do not like 99% of fruit in a beer unless it is a shandy, which grew on me. I buy porkslap regulary, which is the only one I do, an APA with ginger. Even tho I have my preferences, I'll still try any new beer I can, I just keep expectations low if it's something I don't particularly care for.

 

I have enjoyed more docile in terms of adventure flavored beers (vanilla, chocolate, coffee and bourbon) but the flavors that are on the more unique end of the scale haven't been altogether too kind to me, save for a few exceptions - Sweet Baby Jesus (recently) and Pete's Wicked Strawberry Blonde (long time ago in a galaxy far........). One particular frustration I have with flavored beers is when I just love the idea based on my love for a particular flavor but it ends up being not so great. For instance, I love raspberry, but it is usually so amped up in the sweet department that they usually turn out to be a cloyingly sweet mess. There are also a few beers out there that simply don't appeal to me like the Old Bay flavored one, oyster flavored and Sriracha flavored.

 

I'll drink either.

That said, it's much more impressive when there's distinct coffee and coco flavors in a stout that does not contain either. Or tropical fruit and citrus flavors in an IPA with no grapefruit added.

I love when a brewer can coax complex flavor out of just water, barley, hops, and yeast.

 

I love experimental beers and adjuncts

 

I like Both. I can drink a straight up great Porter, then I could slam a Coconut and Vanilla Porter.

 

I am an equal opportunity drinker.

 

When it comes out next week, I will be trying Pipeworks newest creation - "Let me show you something." It's an imperial pale ale that is purple in color. It is made with Butterfly Pea Shoots, Evaporated Vanilla Bean, Honey Wild Flower, Lemon Juice, and Madarina, Equinox Hops. I love the experimental stuff, especially hoppy beers with strong citrus or juicy additions.

 

People have been adding “flavorings” to beer for as long as people have been making beer. The first known recipe for beer includes honey and grapes. Hop is just as much a flavoring as vanilla beans. Adding fruits, herbs, spices, using barrels etc. are all things that have been around since forever. I don’t really get people insinuating some kind of duality & talking about “pure” beers etc. For me a beer with coffee is just much beer as a hefeweizen.

Yes I love beers with flavourings which includes for instance fruited lambiek.

 

Great points on all the above mentions, but really hitting the nail on the head with Fruit Lambics.

 

Only as a change of pace, and yes, willing to try anything. But my staples are traditionally brewed beers, and of course, seasonals.